Jem Sportswear Partners with ToyQuest to Create First-Ever Licensed BanZai Apparel
Los Angeles, CA (August 5, 2008) – ToyQuest, an innovative toy developer and manufacturer, announced today a new licensing collaboration with JEM Sportswear, a leading manufacturer of branded knit tops, to produce a line of apparel using graphic elements from the popular seasonal brand BANZAI.
The apparel collection will consist of a line of surf inspired tees and will coincide with the extreme, fun and outdoor lifestyle of the BANZAI brand. BANZAI is the fastest growing mass surf brand and the number one seasonal toy brand, entering over 20,000 retail doors every year. The BANZAI brand currently encompasses several product categories such as constant air, blower powered waterslides and bouncers, playhouses, flat waterslides, inflatable pools and pool toys, sprinklers, water blasters, sand toys, backyard water activities, and much more.
“With more than 11 years of industry-leading experience in the toy category, ToyQuest has a history of bringing quality products to market. The BANZAI brand is the perfect compliment to our ever-expanding portfolio of top names and designs,” said Jeff Marine, President, JEM Sportswear. “Our partnership with ToyQuest extends JEM’s presence into the surf category, providing unique and inspirational apparel for youth and tweens.”
“This partnership marks the first brand extension for BANZAI. We are very excited as JEM Sportswear has established itself as a worldwide leader of knit tops to several well-known brands,” said Rachel Harris, Director of Creative Services, ToyQuest. “JEM Sportswear has continued to provide quality apparel for over 36 years and we look forward to augmenting the JEM portfolio with the BANZAI brand.”
The JEM Sportswear BANZAI line will be available at most major mass retailers for average retail prices ranging from $9.99 - $49.99.
About JEM Sportswear and Awake Inc.
Founded 36 years ago, JEM Sportswear is a leading manufacturer of knit tops to many top quality name brands. JEM has 5 distinct business divisions: Men’s and Boys’, Women’s, Juniors’, Girls’ and Private Label. Through strategic licensing and a commitment to product design and quality, JEM is a powerful force in the industry. In late 2000, JEM expanded into the women’s business through its affiliate Awake, Inc. Awake, Inc. was launched to provide fashion, quality tees for women. Awake has enjoyed success in the women’s market with their super-soft, vintage tees and has recently expanded into the Juniors’ and Girls’ market with their brand Cold Crush and Awake Girls. Together, JEM and Awake have created a new category in the market by combining fashion tees with nostalgic brands which are sought after by celebrities and consumers throughout the US.
About ToyQuest
ToyQuest designs, develops and markets high quality proprietary toys and toys licensed from popular intellectual properties including Disney, Nickelodeon, Warner Brothers, Sesame Street, Jeep, Spider-man 3, and many others. ToyQuest uses innovative technology to design products that are fun for children and build on their natural creativity. They are the industry leader in outdoor, seasonal products; most notable for their popular brand, Banzai and their unique designs in constant air and flat water slides. Their products have been seen on Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Late Show with David Letterman, KTLA morning show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, The View, Soap Talk, and all major retailers nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.toyquest.com. |
